Google and Microsoft Face the Integrate/Innovate Debate

By Mary Jo |
Posted 2006-07-25

A couple of observations in a New York Times article examining the differences between Google's and Yahoo's online strategies also apply to MSN/Windows Live (which the Times basically dismissed in its July 24 piece). The article noted that "Google tends to introduce a lot of new products and then watch to see what works. This has the potential to alienate users if there are too many half-baked ideas or false starts." (Are you listening, Windows Live team?) However, "Google is now making some moves toward integrating its products more closely," by making new ideas add-ons for existing Google products, rather than as new standalone services. Our "it doesn't take a rocket scientist" prediction: Windows Live Spaces and other Live services will do the very same.